‘Essential part of the firefighting’
Fundraiser launched for second thermal imaging camera for Three Mile Plains fire district
Firefighters are looking to raise enough money to purchase another digital thermal imaging camera for Station 2 in Three Mile Plains.
Brooklyn fire chief Andy McDade said the firefighters are looking to raise about $11,000, ideally before May.
“We only have one thermal imager in this station and with financial restraints from the municipality being such that they are, there will be no extra money this year for specialized equipment like that,” said McDade.
“It’ll just be the meat and potatoes of the firefighting force that we’re going to have so we’ve undertaken our own fundraising campaign.”
The fundraising campaign will feature a weekly 50/50 draw at Bubba Rays Sports Bar and Grill in Garlands Crossing on Thursdays. The draws will occur live on Facebook.
No Curfew will be playing at a the thermal said Boyd.
“We’re hopeful that some of the businesses in West Hants and surrounding areas will understand and see the need for such an important piece of equipment.”
McDade said the Brooklyn Fire Department’s main station has three thermal imaging cameras and Station 2 in Three Mile Plains only has one.
“We’ve had some pretty serious fatal fires since we’ve taken over this area in 2015 and another tool in the toolbox is greatly needed,” said McDade.
He said they frequently get called to multiple emergencies and says having the extra gear will only benefit the expanded catchment area the fire department now services.
“Last year, we had over 70 multiple incidents within the same time frame so it definitely puts the stress on the people and the stress on the gear only having one engine equipped with a thermal imager,” said McDade.
“We’re trying to better the fire department for the citizens of West Hants and the surrounding fire dis- imaging (camera),” tricts.”
He said thermal imaging cameras are a crucial tool to have.
“I believe, in the fire service, every attack engine that is out there should have a thermal imager on it. That’s what we’re hopefully going to set out and get to with this goal,” said McDade.
Deputy fire chief Wayne Swinimer is also hopeful the firefighters will be able to raise enough funds to better equip Station 2.
“It’s just another essential part of the firefighting. It makes it much easier for our members when they’re going into a fire to locate the seat of the fire or find somebody that’s in distress and can use our help,” he said. “It just makes it a lot easier.”
The Hantsport Fire Department currently has four thermal imaging cameras at their disposal (three in Hantsport and one at Station 2 in Southwest Hants). The Windsor Fire Department, which used to be the primary fire service provider for areas like Three Mile Plains and Falmouth, has five. running play to the stage. Quick as a Wink presents Dame Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery, The Mousetrap, a thriller which blends dark humour, a serpentine plot and an ending which has been heralded as the “biggest secret in theatre.”
Performances will take place at the Fountain Performing Arts Centre of King’s-Edgehill School in Windsor March 16, 17, 23 and 24, at 7 p.m. with special matinees March 17, 18 and 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at QAAW.ca, at The Box of Delights Bookshop in Wolfville, and at Mosaic Market in Windsor.
Smokin’ Blues Fest
If you’re making your summer plans, here’s one that should make your list. The Smokin’ Blues Fest at the Hants County Exhibition Grounds in Windsor July 6 and 7 boasts a lineup of great blues and rockin’ blues talent including the Christine Campbell Band, John Campbelljohn, Beauwater, the Kendra Gale Band, the Dan Doiron Band, Ced, Martyy & Dave, Curtis Matheson, amd the Logan Richard Band — and that’s just for starters. More acts are being added.
The event, dubbed ‘A Beacon of East Coast Blues’ is open to all ages, includes and after-hours acoustic jam, has free parking, on-site camping, and food and artisan vendors. Kids 12 and under get in free.
Go to www.smokinbluesfest.ca for day and weekend passes that start at $20.